…just not when it comes to members of his own conference here at home.

Sen. Jim Alesi told me during a CapTon interview last night – his fist extended one-on-one discussion since announcing his change of heart on same-sex marriage – that he will “be an emissary at some point in the future to show that, if in fact we do pass marriage equality in New York State, you can hopefully survive a re-election bid.”

“Now that might invite those people that want to un-elect me to become more energized, but I also think that it invites people that believe in freedom and equality in this country to become energized on my behalf,” the Rochester Republican added.

In other words: Alesi is counting on the support of same-sex marriage advocates and their allies to help him with his re-election bid in 2012, assuming state Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long makes good on his pledge to un-endorse any Republican who breaks with the party on this line-in-the-sand issue.

Even though Alesi insisted he is free of the “political” motivations that forced his “no” vote in 2009, this decision is hardly devoid of politics.

The senator was already in trouble at home, particularly with his local GOP leader, Assemblyman Bill Reilich, thanks to his decision to sue his own constituents over a trespassing allegation. He quickly dropped the suit after a public outcry, calling his decision “boneheaded,” but the damage had been done.

So this gay marriage gamble might hurt Alesi with the right when he runs again – and he confirmed last night he is indeed planning to do so. But perhaps it will gain him newfound support on the left.

I asked the senator if his newfound activism on this controversial topic would extend to his colleagues in the Senate majority, who have so far not opted to follow his lead and declare their willingness to vote “yes” when – and if – the bill comes to the floor. Alesi replied:

“I am not going to put any undue pressure on any of them. I will on the floor explain why I’ve voting for this, but I think by and large most of my friends on both sides of the aisle understand why I am doing it. And they should clearly understand that this is nothing more than a matter of being equal.”

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